General
Fat Jokes: Understanding Humor, Impact, and a Better Way Forward
Introduction
Humor has always been a powerful tool in human interaction. It entertains us, relieves stress, and can even bring people together. But not all jokes land the way we intend. One of the most controversial kinds of humor is the “fat joke.” These jokes, which target people’s weight or body size, have been around for decades, often reinforced by media, pop culture, and casual conversations.
While many argue fat jokes are just harmless fun, countless people experience the opposite effect—they can feel shamed, excluded, or bullied because of how they look. With growing awareness around body positivity, self-love, and mental health, it’s important to take a closer look at fat jokes, why people make them, and the impact they truly have.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into:
- The history and psychology behind fat jokes
- How media and pop culture normalized body-shaming humor
- The potential harm of weight-related jokes
- Health myths vs. realities surrounding body size
- Better, more inclusive ways to use humor that uplift instead of tear down
Let’s explore this often-overlooked topic together.
The Origins of Fat Jokes
Humor that pokes fun at body size has existed for centuries. Historically, different cultures attached various meanings to body size. In some societies, being larger was a sign of wealth, abundance, and prosperity—while in others, slimness was idealized.
However, in the last century, especially with the rise of Hollywood and television, the narrative began to shift. Characters who were overweight were frequently portrayed as:
- The comic relief: Their size was the primary source of humor.
- Lazy or clumsy individuals: Stereotypes implied that fat people lacked discipline or intelligence.
- Sidekicks, not heroes: Rarely were larger characters presented as strong, confident, or desirable leads.
From slapstick comedy movies to sitcoms, fat jokes became an easy “punchline,” painting a harmful caricature of people based solely on their weight.
Why Do People Make Fat Jokes?
Many people who crack fat jokes don’t always think about the full weight (no pun intended) of what they’re saying. Here are some psychological and social reasons behind such humor:
1. Deflection and Insecurity
Sometimes, people make fat jokes as a way to cover up their own insecurities. By laughing at someone else’s body, they temporarily divert attention away from themselves.
2. Cultural Normalization
Because movies, TV shows, and stand-up comedians have historically leaned heavily on fat jokes, repeating them became “normal.” People grew up thinking it was just another acceptable type of humor.
3. Peer Pressure
In group settings, fat jokes may appear as a bonding mechanism. Making fun of someone’s size might earn a laugh from peers—even if it hurts the person targeted.
4. Lack of Awareness
For some, it may genuinely be a lack of thought. They don’t pause to consider the emotional impact weight jokes can have on another individual.
The Hidden Harm of Fat Jokes
While fat jokes might make people laugh in the moment, their aftereffects can linger much longer. Research and real-life stories show that weight-related humor can:
- Lower Self-Esteem
Children and adults who are the butt of fat jokes can develop a negative self-image, believing their worth is tied to their body size. - Encourage Disordered Eating
Mocking someone’s weight may push them toward extreme dieting, eating disorders, or unhealthy lifestyle changes, rather than motivating them to live healthily. - Increase Anxiety and Depression
Studies connect weight-shaming with higher instances of depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. - Reinforce Harmful Stereotypes
Every fat joke told in public or media reinforces the false stereotype that weight equates to laziness, lack of success, or unattractiveness.
Pop Culture and the “Fat Joke” Problem
The entertainment industry has historically leaned hard on fat jokes. Classic examples include:
- Sitcoms where the heavier character was always the funny sidekick.
- Movies where “before and after” transformations relied on weight loss as the ultimate glow-up.
- Cartoons where animated characters’ size was exaggerated for laughs.
Thankfully, recent years have brought a shift. Celebrities, influencers, and activists are challenging the narrative with the body positivity movement, highlighting that humor doesn’t have to come at the expense of marginalizing an entire group of people.
Debunking Common Myths Around Fatness
Many fat jokes aren’t just about appearances—they often perpetuate incorrect health assumptions. Let’s clear up a few:
- Myth 1: All fat people are unhealthy.
Health cannot be determined solely by body size. Someone thinner may have poor health markers, while someone larger may be active and healthy. - Myth 2: Shaming helps people lose weight.
Science shows the opposite—fat shaming often leads to weight gain, stress eating, and reduced motivation to pursue physical activity. - Myth 3: Fat jokes are just harmless fun.
To the person being targeted, it can spark long-term emotional harm. Just because everyone laughs doesn’t mean nobody gets hurt.
Healthier Ways to Use Humor
Humor is important—it helps us bond, boosts mood, and makes life lighter. But it doesn’t need to come at someone else’s expense. Instead of fat jokes, consider these more positive alternatives:
1. Situational Comedy
Laugh at shared experiences we can all relate to—technology fails, awkward encounters, daily struggles.
2. Self-Aware Humor
Making jokes about ourselves in a gentle, self-empowering way can be funny without crossing into self-hate.
3. Play With Words
Clever puns, witty observations, or wordplay often spark far more laughs than pointing out someone’s size or looks.
4. Laugh With, Not At
True humor makes people feel included, not excluded. Aim for jokes where everyone enjoys the laugh together.
How Society Can Move Beyond Fat Jokes
The shift away from fat jokes requires collective effort—on both personal and cultural levels.
- Parents & Educators: Teach kids kindness and respect early, helping them understand why body-shaming jokes aren’t acceptable.
- Media Creators: Build characters with diverse body types that are celebrated for their skills, not reduced to a punchline.
- Individuals: Practice empathy. Before joking about someone’s size, ask—would I laugh if the joke was about me?
By promoting a climate of kindness and inclusivity, humor can still be fun while respecting all bodies.
Conclusion: Are Fat Jokes Ever Worth It?
Fat jokes may once have been a staple of comedy, but times are changing—and rightly so. What once was considered “harmless” is now better understood for what it is: body shaming disguised as humor. Instead of laughing at someone’s size, we can shift towards laughter that uplifts, unites, and celebrates human quirks without judgment.
In the end, real comedy doesn’t need cruelty to be funny. The best jokes leave everyone smiling, not just those in on the punchline.
This report details a sophisticated scam that impersonates a well-known financial news organization, Bloomberg, to trick individuals into placing fraudulent advertisements. The scam involves fake emails, a fabricated website, and a promise of significant payment that is never fulfilled.
1. Initial Contact and Deception
The scam begins with an unsolicited email from an individual claiming to be interested in guest posting opportunities on your website.
Sender Name: Lucas Nethon (or a similar generic name)
Initial Email Content:
Hello there,
I hope this message finds you well.
I recently visited your website and noticed that you offer guest post opportunities.
I am interested in submitting my articles for publication on your website.
Could you please provide me with information on the submission process?
I would also like to know the cost of publishing one article.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you for your time
Best regards.
This initial contact is designed to be non-suspicious, establishing a seemingly legitimate business inquiry.
2. The “Business Proposal” – The Core of the Scam
Following your response to the initial inquiry, the scammer sends a more detailed proposal, impersonating a representative from Bloomberg.
Key Elements of the Deceptive Proposal:
- Impersonated Entity: “BRAD STONE from BLOOMBERG (Bloomberg.com)”
- Fabricated Website: “bloombergsources.com” (Note: This is a crucial detail – it’s a fake domain, likely registered to mimic the real Bloomberg.com)
- Alleged Purpose: To share business ideas on a new website.
- The Offer: Banner placement on your website.
- Stated Terms:
- Banner Placement Duration: 4 months
- Payment: $2100 for the 4-month period
- Payment Timeline: Within 7 working days
- Removal Clause: You would remove the ad if they requested it.
Example Email Content (as provided):
Business Proposal for Banner Advertising
I'm talking to BRAD STONE from BLOOMBERG (Bloomberg.com)
We're launching a new website (bloombergsources.com) where we'll share business ideas. We'd like to add a banner to your website. If you're interested, you can contact us via this Gmail or my professional email (bradstone@bloombergsources.com)
You can also visit our new website (bloombergsources.com)
Terms of the Proposal
Banner Placement
Our banner will be live on your website for 4 months
Payment
We'll pay you $2100 for the 4-month period
Payment Terms
Payment will be made within 7 working days
Removal
If we need to remove the ad, you'll remove it.
Next Steps
If you're interested, please get in touch with us via email to discuss further
Thanks
3. The “Execution” and Request for Details
If you agree to the terms, the scammer proceeds to the next stage, providing specific instructions for placing their fake advertisement.
Key Information Provided:
- Link Anchor: “Bloomberg Sources”
- Paragraph for Sidebar: A block of text about “Bloomberg Sources” and a contact email address (
michael@bloombergsources.com). - Website Link:
Bloombergsources.com - Payment Details: PayPal ID (
michael@bloombergsources.com), Registered Address (3 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4TQ UK), VAT Number.
Example Email Content (as provided):
Hi,
I have sent you the link anchor and paragraph, You have to add the paragraph to the sidebar of your website
Link
Bloombergsources.com
Anchor
Bloomberg Sources
You can choose any of the paragraphs and add them to the sidebar of your website.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global customers rely Bloomberg Sources to deliver accurate, real-time business and market-moving information that helps them make critical financial decisions please contact: michael@bloombergsources.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global customers rely Bloomberg Sources to deliver accurate, real-time business and market-moving information that helps them make critical financial decisions please contact
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please add our company details and mention that this ad will be for four months.
PayPal ID: michael@bloombergsources.com
Registered Address: 3 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4TQ UK
Vat Number: 718787092
I'm Waiting
Thanks
4. The Aftermath: No Payment, No Response
After you have followed their instructions and implemented the fake advertisement on your website, the scammer disappears. They stop responding to your communications, leaving you with the advertisement live and no payment received.
Your Experience:
- You placed the link and content as instructed.
- You informed the scammer that the advertisement was live.
- You have been waiting for over 7 days with no response from the scammer.
How to Identify and Avoid This Scam:
- Verify the Source: Always be skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those involving large sums of money. Conduct thorough due diligence on the company and the individual contacting you.
- Check the Domain: Scammers often use domain names that are very similar to legitimate ones (e.g.,
bloombergsources.cominstead ofbloomberg.com). Check the actual domain carefully. - Official Contact Channels: Real companies like Bloomberg will typically use their official email domains (
@bloomberg.com) and will not solely rely on Gmail for business proposals. - Look for Official Websites: Visit the official Bloomberg website (Bloomberg.com) and search for their advertising or partnership information. You will likely not find any mention of
bloombergsources.comor a “Brad Stone” in this capacity.
- Check the Domain: Scammers often use domain names that are very similar to legitimate ones (e.g.,
- Be Wary of Large Upfront Payments: While legitimate advertisers may pay upfront, be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true or involve unusual payment methods (like requesting you to pay a portion for “verification”).
- Research the Address and VAT Number: While scammers can fake these, a quick search might reveal inconsistencies or indicate the address is associated with many other businesses, which can be a red flag.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. It’s better to miss out on a potential deal than to fall victim to a scam.
Actionable Advice:
- Remove the Advertisement: Immediately remove the link and any content related to
bloombergsources.comfrom your website to prevent further association with fraudulent activity. - Report the Scammer: If possible, report the email addresses and fake website to your email provider and relevant authorities (e.g., law enforcement, cybersecurity agencies).
- Educate Others: Share your experience to help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
- Space Coast Daily Uk
A basic concept in electrical engineering and electronics is that of inductance. It is defined by Examples.com as “a property of electrical circuits where a change in electric current generates an opposing electromotive force through a magnetic field.”
To reiterate, then, inductance occurs due to a changing current in a conductor (such as a coil or wire) inducing a magnetic field. This, in turn, induces a voltage opposing the current change, in accordance with Lenz’s Law. It is an effect that plays a critical role in such components as inductors, transformers, and motors.
What Are the Units for Measuring Inductance?
The base unit for inductance in the International System of Units (SI) – the modern form of the metric system – is the henry (H). It is named after the American physicist Joseph Henry (1797-1878), who discovered self-inductance in an electric circuit.
The henry represents the amount of inductance that will produce a voltage of one volt when the current is changing at a rate of one ampere per second. Or to put it a simpler way: it quantifies the effectiveness with which a coil opposes changes in electric current.
While the henry is the standard unit for measuring inductance, inductors in electronic circuits frequently have much smaller values. To measure these, the millihenry (mH) or microhenry (µH) is typically used.
How Are These Inductance Units Related To Each Other?
Making a note of or memorising these relationships between henries, millihenries, and microhenries will serve you well in situations when you need to carry out quick conversions but might not have a calculator or conversion tool to hand:
How To Convert Between the Units of Inductance
Here, then, is your “cut out and keep” rundown of what you need to do to convert from one unit of inductance to another, whatever the given practical application may be:
So, to give an example, if you needed to work out how much2 henries would be in millihenries, the relevant calculation would be 2 H x 1,000 = 2,000 mH.
Or if you were trying to determine what 500,000 microhenries would be when converted to henries, you would use the formula 500,000 µH / 1,000,000 = 0.5 H.
Couldn’t You Just Use a Calculator to Convert from One Inductance Unit to Another?
Such tools are certainly easy enough to find online. It is a straightforward process to convert between henry and millihenry with this calculator on the RS website; you simply need to enter the relevant input value, before clicking “Calculate”.
As we alluded to above, though, you might not always have access to a device or the Internet in order to use such online tools. In any case, getting to grips with the aforementioned manual calculations can help reinforce your awareness and understanding of how henries, millihenries, and microhenries relate to each other.
To summarise, then, both manual calculations and the use of online conversion tools can be useful and relevant, including for verifying the accuracy of results. Combining these approaches can therefore help optimise both the speed andprecision of your work whenever you find yourself needing to convert between these units of inductance.
Imagine a small, fluffy companion with the soulful eyes of a Shih Tzu and the playful, spirited charm of a Havanese. This isn’t a fictional creature from a storybook; it’s the delightful reality of the Shihuanuo (pronounced shee-wah-nwo), one of the most charming and affectionate “designer dogs” you can welcome into your home. A cross between the regal Shih Tzu and the cheerful Havanese, this hybrid combines the best traits of two beloved toy breeds into one irresistible package.
If you’re looking for a lapdog with personality, intelligence, and a hypoallergenic coat, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Shihuanuo, from its temperament and grooming needs to health considerations and how to find a reputable breeder.
What Exactly is a Shihuanuo?
The Shihuanuo is a first-generation (F1) crossbreed, meaning it’s a direct mix of a purebred Shih Tzu and a purebred Havanese. As a designer dog, its primary purpose is to be a companion animal, blending the desirable characteristics of its parent breeds.
- Shih Tzu Parent: Known as the “Lion Dog,” the Shih Tzu is an ancient breed with roots in Tibetan and Chinese royalty. They are known for their affectionate, outgoing, and sometimes stubborn nature. Their long, flowing double coat is a signature trait.
- Havanese Parent: Hailing from Cuba, the Havanese is the national dog of that country. They are intelligent, trainable, and incredibly social “velcro dogs” that thrive on human interaction. They have a silky, soft, and lightweight single coat that is considered hypoallergenic.
By combining these two, breeders aim to create a healthy, happy, and well-rounded companion that minimizes some of the potential health issues found in purebred lines.
Appearance: A Surprise in Every Litter!
One of the most exciting things about mixed-breed dogs is their unpredictability. A Shihuanuo can take after either parent or be a perfect blend of both. However, there are some general characteristics you can expect.
- Size: As a toy breed mix, the Shihuanuo is small. They typically weigh between 7 to 15 pounds (3 to 7 kg) and stand about 9 to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm) tall at the shoulder.
- Coat: This is where the biggest variation occurs. Their coat can be:
- Long and silky like a Havanese.
- Thick and double-coated like a Shih Tzu.
- Somewhere in between—wavy and soft. Common colors include black, white, cream, brown, silver, and any combination of these (parti-color).
- Face: They often have a sweet, expressive face with dark, round eyes. The muzzle can be slightly longer than a Shih Tzu’s but shorter than a Havanese’s. Their ears are typically floppy and covered in soft hair.
- Build: They have a sturdy, compact body with a plumed tail that often curls over their back.*
Temperament and Personality: A Bundle of Joy and Love
If you want a dog that will be your shadow and best friend, the Shihuanuo fits the bill perfectly. Their temperament is generally a winning combination of sweet and spunky.
- Affectionate and Loyal: This breed is a quintessential “lap dog.” They form incredibly strong bonds with their families and love to cuddle. They are true companions who want to be involved in every aspect of your day.
- Playful and cheerful: Inheriting the Havanese’s happy-go-lucky attitude, Shihuonuos have a playful side. They enjoy short bursts of playtime indoors and will happily chase a ball or play with puzzle toys.
- Good with Families and Other Pets: Their gentle and friendly nature makes them excellent pets for families with older, respectful children. They usually get along well with other dogs and even cats, especially if socialized from a young age.
- Intelligent but Sometimes Stubborn: They are smart cookies and can learn tricks quickly. However, they can inherit a stubborn streak from the Shih Tzu side, which may require a patient and consistent training approach with positive reinforcement.
- Alert and Watchful: Don’t let their size fool you. They make excellent little watchdogs and will bark to alert you of anything unusual. Early training can help manage excessive barking.*
Living with a Shihuanuo: Care, Grooming, and Exercise
Caring for a Shihuanuo is generally manageable, but their gorgeous coat does require a commitment.
Grooming Needs (High Maintenance) This is the most demanding aspect of owning this mix. To prevent mats and tangles, their coat requires daily brushing. Many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to make maintenance easier. Regular grooming tasks include:
- Brushing: Daily with a slicker brush and metal comb.
- Bathing: Every 3-4 weeks with a good quality dog shampoo and conditioner.
- Eyes and Ears: Their eyes need daily wiping to prevent tear staining (common in Shih Tzus). Ears should be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent infections.
- Professional Grooming: A trip to a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks is highly recommended for trimming and a thorough clean.
Exercise Requirements (Low to Moderate) The Shihuanuo is perfectly suited for apartment living. Their exercise needs are modest.
- Daily Walks: One or two short walks (15-20 minutes each) per day are sufficient.
- Indoor Play: They get most of their exercise through indoor playtime. They love games of fetch down the hallway or learning new tricks for treats.
- Mental Stimulation: This is key! Their intelligent minds need to be engaged. Puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, and short training sessions are fantastic ways to keep them from getting bored.*
Training and Socialization Start training and socialization early. Their intelligence means they respond excellently to positive reinforcement methods like treats, praise, and play. Harsh methods will not work with this sensitive breed.
- Socialization: Expose your puppy to different people, places, sounds, and other animals in a positive way. This will help ensure they grow into a well-adjusted and confident adult dog.
- Potty Training: This can sometimes be a challenge with small breeds. Consistency, a regular schedule, and plenty of praise for successes are crucial. Many owners find using puppy pads helpful, especially for those living in apartments.
Health and Lifespan: What to Expect
As a crossbreed, the Shihuanuo can benefit from “hybrid vigor,” potentially reducing the risk of some inherited disorders common in purebreds. However, they can still be prone to health issues common in their parent breeds. A responsible breeder will health-test both parent dogs.
Common Health Concerns:
- Patellar Luxation: A common condition in small breeds where the kneecap dislocates.
- Eye Problems: Including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and cherry eye.
- Hip Dysplasia: Though less common in small dogs, it can still occur.
- Dental Issues: Small dogs are prone to overcrowding and periodontal disease. Daily teeth brushing is highly recommended.
- Brachycephalic Issues: If they inherit the Shih Tzu’s shorter muzzle, they can be prone to breathing difficulties in hot or humid weather.*
Lifespan: With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups, a Shihuanuo has a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Is the Shih Tzu Havanese Mix the Right Dog for You?
Choose a Shihuanuo if you:
- Want a devoted, affectionate, and loyal companion.
- Live in an apartment or a home without a large yard.
- Are a less active individual, a senior, or a family with older children.
- Don’t mind committing to a high-maintenance grooming routine.
- Are home often, as they don’t like to be left alone for long periods.*
Think twice if you:
- Want a low-maintenance dog in terms of grooming.
- Have a very busy lifestyle and are away from home for 8+ hours a day.
- Are looking for a jogging or hiking partner.
- Prefer a completely silent dog (they can be vocal).
Finding a Shihuanuo Puppy
If you’ve decided this is the breed for you, your next step is finding a responsible source.
- Reputable Breeders: This is the best option. A good breeder will:
- Health-test their parent dogs.
- Welcome you to meet the puppies and their parents.
- Ask you many questions to ensure you’re a good fit.
- Provide a health guarantee and be available for support.
- Rescues and Shelters: Check breed-specific rescues for Shih Tzus and Havanese. You may find a mixed-breed dog or an adult Shihuanuo in need of a loving home. This is a wonderful way to give a dog a second chance.
Conclusion: A Heartwarming Companion
The Shihuanuo is more than just a cute face; it’s a breed overflowing with love, personality, and charm. They offer the perfect blend of regal grace and playful clownishness, making every day a little brighter. While their luxurious coat demands dedication, the reward is an unparalleled bond with a tiny, devoted friend who will undoubtedly become the heart of your home. If you’re ready for a lifetime of cuddles, companionship, and a little bit of glamour, the Shih Tzu Havanese mix might just be your perfect match.
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